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Foldable keyboard input device

a keyboard input and foldable technology, applied in the direction of static indicating devices, electric apparatus casings/cabinets/drawers, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of undesirable key operability and uncomfortable feeling when the keyboard is used

Inactive Publication Date: 2004-03-30
ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Thus, as shown in FIG. 31, the keyboard arrangement is separated into the right side and the left side so as to produce a space therebetween at the center, thus causing an uncomfortable feeling when the keyboard is used.
Consequently, there is a problem of undesirable key operability.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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first embodiment

hereinbelow, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to appended drawings. FIGS. 1 to 5 are diagrams showing the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a keyboard input device being closed, FIGS. 2 and 3 are front views each showing a keyboard input device being opened, FIG. 4 is a front view showing a keyboard input device in its opened state, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a keyboard input device.

A keyboard input device connected to an information processing device (not shown) such as a personal computer is provided with a keyboard unit 2 having many key tops 1 (see FIG. 5). The keyboard unit 2 is divided into a first keyboard unit 3 and a second keyboard unit 4 each having substantially the same dimension and being foldably coupled to each other.

On both sides of the first keyboard unit 3 which is to be coupled with the second keyboard unit 4, a pivotal point pin 5 projecting outwardly and a pivotal point portion 6 (see FIG. 5) ha...

second embodiment

FIGS. 6 to 9 are drawings illustrating the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing how a keyboard input device is operated from its closed state to opened state. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a keyboard input device showing its opened state. FIG. 8 is a front view of a keyboard input device in its opened state. FIG. 9 is a front view of a keyboard input device in its closed state.

In the present embodiment, the following aspects are different from the previously described first embodiment. A first keyboard unit 3 is housed within a bottomed cover 12. Specifically, the cover 12 serves as a casing for the first keyboard unit 3, and a guide groove 23 is formed on an inner surface of both side plates 15 of the cover 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the guide groove 23 is inclined so that an outer side end 23a and an inner side end 23b are in a lower position and an upper position, respectively, the outer side end 23a and the inner side end 23b having some horizontal portions.

On the outer sid...

fourth embodiment

The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an angled convex portion 31 and a projection housing 32 are provided next to each other near an end, opposite of the pivotal point pin 5, of the guide grove 7 formed in the first keyboard unit 3. When the keyboard input device is opened for use, the projection 16 provided on the cover 12 moves along the guide groove 7. Immediately before the keyboard input device is fully opened, the projection 16 elastically overrides the convex portion 31. Then, as the keyboard input device is fully opened, the projection 16 is elastically fitted into the projection housing 32. When the keyboard input device is to be closed, the above events occur in the opposite sequence.

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Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard input device that has a key arrangement similar as an ordinary keyboard, and that can securely protects key tops when folding. The present invention is characterized as follows. A keyboard unit is divided into a first keyboard unit and a second keyboard unit so as to be foldable, the first keyboard unit is pivotably supported by the second keyboard unit so as to pivot about a position slightly inside from an end of a coupling side of the second keyboard unit, a cover for covering an area from the end of the coupling side of the second keyboard unit when the first keyboard unit and the second keyboard unit are superimposed is slidably attached to the first keyboard unit, and an end plate for covering the end of the coupling side of the second keyboard unit and the first keyboard unit when the first keyboard unit and the second keyboard unit are superimposed is pivotably coupled between the cover and the second keyboard unit.

Description

1. Field of InventionThe present invention relates to a keyboard input device for use of, e.g. a portable personal computer, a portable information terminal, and auxiliary input equipment thereof, and in particular, a foldable keyboard input device having a keyboard unit divided into a first keyboard unit and a second keyboard unit.2. Description of the Prior ArtIn recent years, in order to downsize a keyboard input device for connecting to a portable personal computer, a new keyboard input device has been proposed. That is, as shown in FIG. 31, a keyboard unit 100 is divided into a right hand side board 101 and a left hand side board 102, which are connected by a hinge 103 for keyboard so as to allow pivotal rotation and to make the right hand side board 101 and the left hand side board 102 foldable. Reference numeral 104 denotes a display panel.By dividing the keyboard unit 100 to the right hand side board 101 and the left hand side board 102 and by making them foldable, it is pos...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F3/02H01H13/70
CPCG06F3/0221H01H13/70H01H2223/05H01H2223/052
Inventor FURUKI, SHIGERUWATANABE, KAZUTOSHIKAWAUCHI, TAKAHIRO
Owner ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
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